Early satiety
ICD-10 R68.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of early satiety.
Early satiety is a clinical symptom characterized by a feeling of fullness after consuming only a small amount of food. This condition can significantly impact a patient's nutritional intake and quality of life. It may arise from various underlying causes, including gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis, peptic ulcer disease, or malignancies affecting the stomach. Patients may report a sensation of fullness, bloating, or discomfort shortly after starting a meal. Early satiety can also be associated with psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression, which may affect appetite and eating behaviors. The symptom can lead to unintended weight loss and nutritional deficiencies if not addressed. Clinicians must evaluate the patient's history, perform a physical examination, and consider diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause. This may include imaging studies, endoscopy, or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Accurate documentation of the symptom's onset, duration, and associated factors is crucial for effective management and coding.
Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms; results of any diagnostic tests performed.
Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss, bloating, or discomfort after meals.
Consideration of comorbid conditions that may contribute to early satiety, such as diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.
Acute assessment of symptoms, including vital signs and any immediate interventions; documentation of any acute findings.
Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and early satiety, requiring rapid evaluation.
Need for quick differentiation from more serious conditions such as bowel obstruction or perforation.
Used when evaluating patients with early satiety for potential structural abnormalities.
Indication for the procedure, findings, and any interventions performed.
Gastroenterology specialists may perform this procedure to assess for underlying causes.
Early satiety is a symptom where a person feels full after eating only a small amount of food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
Common causes include gastrointestinal disorders like gastroparesis, peptic ulcers, malignancies, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Diagnosis involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and may include imaging studies or endoscopy to identify underlying causes.
